Spectre Challenge: „Dr. No“ (1962)

The first review in my little Spectre Challenge Series is up. And of course we start with the first film in the 007 franchise: Dr. No (and I am definitely doing this chronological) But it is also very interesting to start with this film since it mentions Spectre. (Did you remember that?)

I certainly didn’t. And despite having not seen all Bond films, I have watched „Dr. No“ before.

The first James Bond film adventure (You may, or may not know, that the first book – yes, James Bond is based on books by Ian Fleming – is „Casino Royale“. Even though, it has nothing to do with the Daniel Craig film…at least that’s how I felt, when I read the book…but that’s stuff for later.) starts with a death (surprise! *sarcasmoff*). A British Intelligence Member named Strangway is killed in Jamaica. Since that happens very sudden, in a fairly strange way, the MI6 (with a male M – if you haven’t seen Skyfall you won’t get that pun) is sending their best (especially best looking) agent – 007, better known as Bond, James Bond to investigate.

Whenever you started watching Bond, you know what comes next: guns, cars, alcohol (Vodka Martini shaken not stirred) and beautiful women. You just have to watch it, to enjoy it. (Words won’t do any such storyline justice.)

Like I said earlier, I have seen „Dr. No“ before and like the first time, I loved it. I can’t decide if it’s because sometimes it’s just really funny (like the violence – please, don’t get me wrong, I don’t want to glorify violence, but in comparison to today’s movie violence I love how naive it looked back then.) or I adore the British…ness (?) I don’t know, but it just has something…these old films.

Sean Connery’s breakthrough role portrayal is just rather delightful. I especially love the story that director Terence Young ordered him to wear a suit 24/7 (even while sleeping) to really show confidence in these clothes, since Connery didn’t wear suits until him being cast as the role. And even if it wasn’t true, it shows. James Bond and a suit…those two things are married, for life.

As you can tell, I really enjoyed it. I didn’t grow up with Connery as Bond, so at first it was different, but it was a good different. I am curious how I’ll like the others.

If you are too, then come back tomorrow for another review. This time it’s „From Russia with Love“.